The Art of Livable Luxury with Robert Passal
From Manhattan to Portugal, Robert Passal’s interiors are timeless, collected, and deeply personal — blending eras, honoring individuality, and proving that luxury is always livable.
Intro
When a designer truly captures the essence of how clients want to live, the result is more than beautiful spaces — it’s an experience. For Robert Passal, design is as much about listening as it is about creating. Since 2000, he and his award-winning team have crafted interiors that balance fine art, antiques, and contemporary pieces into environments steeped in sophistication and personality. His work has graced the pages of Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, and House Beautiful, and he’s been recognized internationally as one of the world’s best interior designers. Yet at the heart of it all, Passal remains committed to curiosity, detail, and the belief that great design tells a client’s story.
Q&A with Robert Passal
Q1. How did you first get into design?
I was always fascinated by how a room could influence the way people feel. Once I began working in interiors, I saw firsthand how thoughtful design could transform daily life — and I never looked back.
I was always fascinated by how a room could influence the way people feel. Once I began working in interiors, I saw firsthand how thoughtful design could transform daily life — and I never looked back.
Q2. How do you describe your style?
My interiors are never defined by one era or approach. They’re timeless, collected, and curated. I balance classical elements with clean lines and livable luxury, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and comfortable.
My interiors are never defined by one era or approach. They’re timeless, collected, and curated. I balance classical elements with clean lines and livable luxury, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and comfortable.
Q3. Share some influences and inspirations that inform your work.
I’m most inspired by art and by travel. Visiting places rich in history — like India, Italy, and Colombia — brings me tremendous perspective. I come back with both historical insights and a fresh sense of what’s happening aesthetically in the world right now.
I’m most inspired by art and by travel. Visiting places rich in history — like India, Italy, and Colombia — brings me tremendous perspective. I come back with both historical insights and a fresh sense of what’s happening aesthetically in the world right now.
Q4. What does “personalized luxury” mean to you?
Luxury looks different for everyone. For some it’s heirloom antiques, for others it’s the right lighting for family dinners. I take time to learn what makes each client feel truly at ease, then design a multi-sensory experience around that.
Luxury looks different for everyone. For some it’s heirloom antiques, for others it’s the right lighting for family dinners. I take time to learn what makes each client feel truly at ease, then design a multi-sensory experience around that.
Q5. You’re known for blending different styles and eras. How do you make that work?
It’s about editing and contrast. A gilded 19th-century chair alongside a bold contemporary canvas creates a conversation between objects. That dialogue gives a room energy and individuality.
It’s about editing and contrast. A gilded 19th-century chair alongside a bold contemporary canvas creates a conversation between objects. That dialogue gives a room energy and individuality.
Q6. Talk about a notable project that exemplifies your strengths.
One that stands out is a town house for a wonderfully creative fashion client. He once described the aesthetic as “part David Bowie, part British granny.” That freedom allowed me to take risks and create a home that was exciting, layered, and wholly unique.
One that stands out is a town house for a wonderfully creative fashion client. He once described the aesthetic as “part David Bowie, part British granny.” That freedom allowed me to take risks and create a home that was exciting, layered, and wholly unique.
Q7. What role do details play in your work?
Details are what make a space reveal itself over time. It could be button-tufting on a chair, inlaid cabinetry, or plaster moldings. These subtle layers bring richness and soul to a home.
Details are what make a space reveal itself over time. It could be button-tufting on a chair, inlaid cabinetry, or plaster moldings. These subtle layers bring richness and soul to a home.
Q8. How do you get to know your clients so well?
We spend a lot of time talking about their lifestyle — how they entertain, how they sleep, how their children and pets fit into the mix. We also share images and inspirations. That process ensures we design spaces that truly reflect them.
We spend a lot of time talking about their lifestyle — how they entertain, how they sleep, how their children and pets fit into the mix. We also share images and inspirations. That process ensures we design spaces that truly reflect them.
Q9. Why is art such a central part of your interiors?
Art gives a home its spirit. It reflects the personality of the owner and adds dimension that furniture alone can’t provide. From Old Masters to geometric abstraction, art is always the heartbeat of my projects.
Art gives a home its spirit. It reflects the personality of the owner and adds dimension that furniture alone can’t provide. From Old Masters to geometric abstraction, art is always the heartbeat of my projects.
Q10. What advice would you give homeowners trying to refine their style?
Collect what you love and take your time. Don’t rush to finish a room. Let your space evolve with you — the more personal the pieces, the more authentic and timeless your home will feel.
Collect what you love and take your time. Don’t rush to finish a room. Let your space evolve with you — the more personal the pieces, the more authentic and timeless your home will feel.
Robert Passal Interior & Architectural Design
333 Park Avenue South
Suite 4A
New York, NY 10010
(212) 242-5508